THE COURT CONNECTION
United States Bankruptcy Court
Middle District of Florida
Jacksonville, Orlando, and Tampa/Fort Myers Divisions
October 2013
The Court Connection
* * * * *
MISSION STATEMENT
Our Court serves the public by processing and deciding bankruptcy cases with fairness,
impartiality, and excellence, while treating everyone with dignity, integrity, and respect.
* * * * *
The Season of Sacrifice and Gratitude
By: Hon. Karen S. Jennemann
As I write this article, I do not know if the government will reopen this week or
not. The Bankruptcy Court will operate as normal through October 17, but,
starting the next day, those staff performing essential functions will work
without pay and those staff furloughed will not receive pay unless approved by
Congress. Everyone at the United States Trustee’s office and civil attorneys at
the United States Attorneys’ office started feeling the effect of the government
shutdown earlier on October 1.
The Court’s valuable staff anxiously hopes to receive their regular paychecks
when Congress approves an appropriation bill or when a continuing resolution is
passed but they do not know when that will happen. They may get paid
tomorrow or weeks from now. The thought of our folks working diligently every
day without any assurance of timely payment is astonishing.
They, like most everyone else, have bills that will come due regardless of
whether they receive their paycheck or not. Some have their mortgage or other
payments automatically deducted from their paychecks that, this month, may not
get paid. We have many single parents that are the only source of income for
their family. In some cases, both the husband and the wife are employed by the
federal government. Neither will receive a paycheck until the government
shutdown ends.
Because only those who actually work are guaranteed pay at some point, all
leave is cancelled. Staff who had scheduled needed medical procedures either
must cancel the treatment or face the risk they will not be paid in the future.
Many people had to delay or defer family trips, including a honeymoon, because
leave was canceled. Others have had to hire caregivers to take care of elderly or
Inside this issue:
Chief Judge Article
1
New BLES Director 3
“The 3-3-3 Rule” 6
Bankruptcy Rule
Changes
11
View from the
Bench Registration
15
Chapter 13 Debtor
Education Class
17
THE COURT CONNECTION Page 2
ill family members because they could not take leave to personally give the care
their mother or father needed. Life as we know it in the Judiciary is radically
changed.
Yet, in the face of this anxiety and uncertainty, we work, every day. We will keep
our court open and functioning as long as possible. We will hold hearings,
although you may see some delays or continuances caused by furloughs at other
federal agencies. We will process anything you file.
Our folks truly live up to our mission of “serving the public with impartiality and
excellence.” They now are doing this at great personal sacrifice to themselves.
They promise to keep the Court open as long as they and their families can make
the financial sacrifice asked of them.
I am grateful and indebted to every member of our incredible Court family.
Everyone one of them is essential and valued. Although the government shut-
down hopefully will end soon and life will return to our “new” reduced normal, I
ask members of the bar and their staff who rely on the help of our folks as they
process papers and schedule hearings also to say “thank you” for their work.
Without them the entire bankruptcy system would collapse.
“As we express
our gratitude, we
must never forget
that the highest
appreciation is not
to utter words, but
to live by them”.
- John F. Kennedy
“I am a member
of a team, and I
rely on the team, I
defer to it and
sacrifice for it,
because the team,
not the individual,
is the ultimate
champion.”
- Mia Hamm
“Feeling gratitude
and not expressing
it is like wrapping
a present and not
giving it.”
-William Arthur
Ward
Lee Ann Bennett:
New President of the National Conference of
Bankruptcy Clerks
The National Conference of Bankruptcy Clerks is a
professional organization focused on meeting the needs of
the Clerk’s staff in bankruptcy courts across the United
States. NCBC focuses its efforts in four areas: Leadership, Education, Advocacy,
and Solutions. The group sponsors numerous educational programs, including a
national conference, and works tirelessly to improve the work environment for
thousands of employees of the bankruptcy courts.
On September 26, 2013, our own Clerk LeeAnn Bennett was selected by her
colleagues to serve as President of NCBC for a term ending in 2016. She will
represent Bankruptcy Clerks at numerous national forums including the upcoming
National Conference of Bankruptcy Judges in Atlanta. NCBC has selected an
excellent leader to hold its reins. Congratulations to Clerk Bennett.
THE COURT CONNECTION Page 3
Introducing the New Executive Director of BLES:
Alvin Fletcher Benton, Esquire, Holland & Knight
For many years we have witnessed the great pro bono work undertaken by our bankruptcy colleagues in the
Southern District of Florida. Due to our expansive geography and the fact that the Southern District has only
one voluntary bankruptcy bar association compared to our four voluntary bar associations, Florida’s Middle
District was presented with some unique organizational challenges in trying to improve our pro bono and
outreach efforts. At a Bankruptcy/UCC Committee Meeting held in conjunction with the Florida Bar in
2012, the Honorable Michael G. Williamson presented his vision of BLES—the Bankruptcy Legal Education
Series designed to provide education on bankruptcy topics and assist pro bono projects district wide.
Roy Kobert and Gene Crick of Broad and Cassel offered to get the ball rolling and, on December 28, 2012,
BLES was incorporated. Tax exempt status is expected in the first quarter of 2014.
In the meantime, the Board of BLES, consisting of representatives from each voluntary bankruptcy bar
association, opened a bank account and raised initial donations of approximately $20,000. Funds came from
contributions from the Business Law Section of the Florida Bar, each local bankruptcy bar association,
seminar fees, Chapter 11 liquidating trusts, and voluntary individual contributions.
So, BLES was born in 2012. BLES is getting organized in 2013. The BLES Board currently is reviewing
projects to fund. By early 2014, BLES should walk independently and serve as the Middle District’s funding
source for pro bono projects.
To reach this goal of sustainability and continuity, the rotating Directors quickly realized BLES needed an
ongoing Executive Director. Alvin Benton, a graduate of FAMU and an attorney at Holland & Knight,
graciously agreed to accept the position as BLES’ first Executive Director. Mr. Benton is also treasurer of
the Paul Perkins Bar Association and is presently participating in the new Florida Bar Leadership Program.
In his spare time, Alvin chairs the H&K Diversity Committee all while waiting for his wife to give birth to
their first child. While BLES has gone through the birthing and growing pains, Alvin will experience it in
real life as well. He will make an excellent leader for BLES.
THE COURT CONNECTION
Case Summaries
By: Bradley M. Saxton, Esquire and C. Andrew Roy, Esquire,
Winderweedle, Ward, Haines & Woodman, P.A.
Stevenson v. Uttermohlen (In re Uttermohlen),
--- Fed. Appx. ----, 2013 WL 4033911 (11th Cir. Aug. 9, 2013)
In Chapter 7 case, Eleventh Circuit affirmed bankruptcy court’s ruling that tax refund, to which debtor and
debtor’s non-debtor spouse were entitled, was exempt from administration by trustee as property in
tenancy-by-the-entireties.
In re McKinnon,
495 B.R. 553 (Bankr. M.D. Fla. Aug. 27, 2013) (Williamson, J.)
In Chapter 7 case, trustee successfully avoided debtor’s pre-petition transfer of his vehicle to his daughter.
After transfer was avoided, debtor sought to exempt the vehicle pursuant to section 522(g). The trustee
objected to the exemption. Sustaining the trustee’s objection, the bankruptcy court found that section 522(g)
is disjunctive and thus, since the debtor voluntarily transferred the vehicle, he was not entitled to the
exemption even if he did not conceal the transfer.
Webber v. American Cancer Treatment Centers, Inc. (In re Makar),
2013 WL 4483462 (Bankr. M.D. Fla. Aug. 15, 2013) (Jennemann, J.)
Chapter 7 trustee sought to avoid multiple transfers pursuant to sections 548 and 550. On trustee’s motion
for summary judgment, bankruptcy court determined that (i) it had jurisdiction to enter a final order on the
avoidance claims pursuant to Stern v. Marshall, and (ii) the transfers were avoidable as a matter of law
based on the undisputed material facts. Furthermore, the court held that the debtor’s businesses were
debtor’s “alter ego” and allowed the trustee to pierce the corporate veil.
In re Martin,
Case No. 8:13-bk-00624-MGW (Bankr. M.D. Fla. Sept. 17, 2013) (Williamson, J.)
In individual Chapter 11 case, debtor attempted to retain property, including three investment homes, while
paying unsecured creditors only a 5% distribution. The debtor attempted to cram down the unsecured class,
but the bankruptcy court determined that the absolute priority rule prohibited cramdown. Adopting the
“narrow view” of the applicability of the absolute priority rule, the bankruptcy court looked to the plain
meaning of sections 1129 and 1115. Based on that reasoning, the court denied confirmation of the debtor’s
proposed plan as it violated the absolute priority.
Page 4
THE COURT CONNECTION
SAVE THE DATE
STATE WIDE SUMMIT
ON
RESIDENTIAL MORTGAGE MODIFICATION MEDIATIONS
If you are a mediator, residential mortgage lender, creditor attorney, debtor
attorney, Chapter 13 trustee, staff, a Bankruptcy Judge or just interested in
the programs developed to help parties modify residential mortgages, you
may want to attend a summit to discuss what is working well and why
throughout Florida:
DATE: February 27, 2014
TIME: 1:00 pm
LOCATION: Jury Assembly Room
United States District Court
First Floor
401 West Central Boulevard
Orlando, Florida 32801
If you are interested in attending or in helping plan the Summit, please
contact Laurie Weatherford at [email protected].
Page 5
Page 6 THE COURT CONNECTION
“The 3-3-3 Rule”
By: Hon. Michael G. Williamson
“Judge is the 3-3-3 Rule in effect for this case or is this a 10-10-10 case?” Those of you who have appeared
in my courtroom may have heard this question asked, or you have probably heard me discuss these rules.
But just in case, let me explain: Keep it Short! Few motions need to exceed three pages—thus the first “3”
in the Rule stands for 3 pages. That’s the length that works best for most routine motions. Even if it is a
really complex matter, try to keep the page count down to 10 pages (get it? 10-10-10). The more succinct
your writing the better. Don't drag your motion out to the maximum page limit if you have nothing left to
say. In the words of Chief Justice Roberts, "I've yet to put down a brief and say, ’I wish that were longer.’"
The second “3” relates to the maximum number of cases that you should cite for any proposition of law.
Simply put: Avoid Excessive Case Citations! If there is a novel legal issue, cite a case or two that supports
your position. One or two cases are ordinarily sufficient. Avoid long string cites unless you are trying to
make a point. And citation of well-settled law is not helpful. For example, taking two pages to review the
standards for summary judgment is a waste of space. These comments apply equally to bigger cases in
which the 10-10-10 Rule applies (I know--it should be the 10-3-10 Rule--but that doesn’t sound very good
so I’m exercising some artistic license on the name of the Rule).
The third “3” applies to the length of your argument on most routine matters. Believe it or not, we
bankruptcy judges have probably seen the type of motion that you have filed before (like maybe a 1000
times). So if it’s just a motion for relief from stay on a car with no insurance and no payments have been
made for four months--we get it. That’s all we need to know. Three minutes of oral argument should be
more than sufficient. We don’t need a primer on the constitutional underpinnings of adequate protection.
While I’ve got the floor, here are some other practice pointers on oral argument and drafting of motions and
memoranda for the court (I know I’m breaking the 3-3-3 Rule by going on at this point, so I’ll sua sponte
invoke the 10-10-10 Rule).
Preview Relief Sought. Explain at the beginning of your argument and in the introductory paragraphs of the
motion the relief you are seeking before you lay out the factual and legal bases for the relief requested. Let
us know what you want at the front end so we know where you’re heading and will understand the
relevance of the facts you proffer in support.
Avoid Legalese. Plain language is easier to understand. As Justice Scalia once said, “A good test is, if you
use the word at a cocktail party, will people look at you funny?”
Avoid Minutiae. When drafting your motion or making your argument, first ask yourself what the court
needs to know, then include that information in the motion or argument. You need to communicate the big
picture in a fashion that it can be understood quickly by the reader or listener. Avoid minutiae. For example,
a tedious recitation in a motion of every document in the loan file is neither needed nor helpful. In a similar
vein, do not cut and paste the identical case history and introductory paragraphs from earlier motions into
later ones.
Never Disparage Your Opponent. As Justice Ginsburg once said, "You should aim to persuade the judge by
the power of your reasoning and not by denigrating the opposing side." Using words such as "outrageous,"
"disingenuous," and the like reflects poorly on you. If the opposing counsel makes disparaging remarks
about you or your client avoid responding in kind. Keep the high road!
Page 7 THE COURT CONNECTION
The “3-3-3” Rule (continued):
Be Intellectually Honest. If you have weaknesses in your position, “pull the teeth” by addressing them in
your motion or up front in your oral argument explaining that while you concede that these weaknesses exist,
they should not compel a different result. Similarly, address your opponent’s best argument in your motion.
Provide Copies of Cases. Many judges welcome the filing of cases that will be relied on at the hearing so
long as the cases are furnished to opposing counsel. Depending on a judge’s practice, it is often useful to
highlight the portions of the cases that you will be relying upon. Include those highlights in the cases you
provide to opposing counsel.
File Your Memo of Law Well Before Hearing. When you do file briefs or cases, they are of very little use to
the court unless they are filed in a timely manner so as to allow sufficient opportunity for their review in
advance of the hearing (delivery to chambers at the end of business hours on the eve of a hearing or on the
day of the hearing is not timely). You should assume that the judge will rule from the bench, and briefs or
cases filed at or immediately before the hearing will not be reviewed prior to the court’s making its ruling.
(You’ll note that I covered exactly 10 points in compliance with my 10-10-10 Rule.) See you in court.
Dear Point and Click:
Q: I am trying to file a document and there does not appear to be a corresponding event in CM/ECF.
The Clerk’s Office is closed so I cannot call for assistance but the deadline to file the document is today. Is
there a way I can determine if there is an event in CM/ECF that I should be using to file my document?
A: Yes, it is possible to search the CM/ECF system for specific events. Additionally, since the use of
the correct event in CM/ECF is critical to ensuring the appropriate deadlines are scheduled and hearings set,
you are encouraged to search the system prior to filing any document that appears not to have a
corresponding event. To perform the search:
1. Log into CM/ECF as if filing a document.
2. Select Search from the main menu. A Search Menus and Events box displays.
3. Enter a keyword from the title of the document you are filing in the text box. Note: Enter a unique
word from the title of the document. For example, if you are filing a Motion for Sanctions, enter
Sanctions (rather than Motion) in the text box to receive a list of events containing Sanctions in the
title.
4. Click the magnifying glass to the right of the text box to begin the search.
5. The list of matching CM/ECF events displays. From this list of events, you can select the event you
want to use by clicking the hyperlink.
Dear POINT AND CLICK:
Page 8 THE COURT CONNECTION
Positive Additions to Negative Notice List
By: Hon. Caryl E. Delano
Middle District practitioners are very familiar with Local Rule 2002-1. This rule provides that specified types
of motions, objections and other papers will be considered by the Court without an actual hearing if the
negative notice procedure described in the rule is followed and if no party in interest objects to the relief
requested. The negative notice procedure eliminates the need for a hearing in most unopposed matters, saving
time and money for parties, attorneys and the Court. Of course, even in the absence of an objection, the Court
may set a hearing to consider the requested relief.
Effective July 1, 2013, L.R. 2002-1 was amended to delete its reference to the specific types of motions
approved for the negative notice procedure and to refer parties to the Negative Notice List posted on the
Court’s website. Over the past year, the judges have approved a number of additions to the Negative Notice
List. These additions are the result of suggestions from members of the bar, Clerk’s Office staff, and the
judges. CM/ECF users are notified of updates to the Negative Notice List by email blast and announcements
on the Court’s website.
Recent additions to the Negative Notice List include:
Chapter 7
Motion by Chapter 7 Trustee to Authorize Interim Distribution to Creditors
and to Pay Administrative Expenses
Motion Objecting to Discharge pursuant to Rule 4004(a)
Chapter 11
Application for Final Compensation (must be accompanied by the Chapter 11
Fee Application Cover Page available on the Court’s website, www.flmb.uscourts.gov/forms.)
Motion to Determine Secured Status/Value Property in Chapter 11’s (30 day notice)
Motion to Determine Secured Status/Strip Lien on Real Property in Chapter 11’s (30 day notice)
Chapter 12 and Chapter 13
Motion for Relief from Stay as to the Debtor
Motion for Relief from Co-Debtor Stay (14 day notice)
Motion to Confirm Priority of Modified Mortgage
Also, with respect to motions for relief from stay, accompanying affidavits or verifications are no longer
required although movants may submit them if they would like to establish standing or other factual issues. If
a motion for relief from stay is not supported by an affidavit or verification, the Court will make no
determination on whether the movant has standing to request the relief sought by the motion or whether the
debtor is delinquent on any obligation. And, in Orlando and Tampa, if the Chapter 13 Plan surrenders
collateral or payments are made outside the plan, neither a hearing nor negative notice is required if the
motion is accompanied by an affidavit to that effect.
Page 9 THE COURT CONNECTION
UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT,
MIDDLE DISTRICT OF FLORIDA
PERMISSIVE USE OF NEGATIVE NOTICE
Revision effective October 15, 2013
The Court permits and encourages service of the following papers using negative notice as permitted by Local Rule
2002-4. The negative notice legend shall provide for a 21-day objection period unless stated otherwise below.
Chapter 7
Application for Payment of Administrative Expenses (Interim)
Motion by Chapter 7 Trustee to Authorize Interim Distribution to Creditors and to Pay Administrative
Expenses
Motion for Relief from Stay
Motion for Order Confirming that the Automatic Stay is Terminated (362(c) and (j))
Motion Objecting to Discharge pursuant to Rule 4004(a)
Motion to Approve Agreements Relating to Relief from Stay, Prohibiting or Conditioning the Use, Sale or
Lease of Property, Providing Adequate Protection, Use of Cash Collateral and Obtaining Credit pursuant to
Fed. R. Bankr. P. 4001(d) (14-day notice)
Motion/Notice of Intent to Abandon Property filed by Trustee (14-day notice, pursuant to Fed. R. Bankr. P.
6007)
Motion to Compel Abandonment
Motion to Approve Compromise or Settlement
Motion to Avoid Lien on Exempt Property
Motion to Assume Lease/Executory Contract
Motion to Confirm Priority of Modified Mortgage
Motion to Determine Property is of Consequential Value to Estate filed by Trustee (362(h)(2))
Motion to Determine Secured Status /Value Property (30-day notice required)
Motion to Determine Secured Status/Strip Lien on Real Property (30-day notice required)
Motion to Dismiss for Failure to Attend 341 Meeting filed by Trustee
Motion to Redeem
Motion/Notice to Sell or Lease Property (does not apply to sales free and clear of interests)
Motion for Turnover of Property by Trustee (30-day notice required)
Objection to Claim (30-day notice required)
Objection to Exemptions (However, in Tampa, Orlando, and Ft. Myers the Court will enter an order sustaining
an objection that relates solely to the value of personal property claimed exempt without a hearing)
Page 10 THE COURT CONNECTION
Revised Negative Notice List (continued):
Chapter 11
Chapter 12 and Chapter 13
**In Orlando and Tampa, if the Chapter 13 Plan surrenders collateral or payments are made outside the Plan, neither a hearing
nor negative notice is required if the motion is accompanied by an affidavit to that effect.
Application for Interim Compensation (must be accompanied by the Chapter 11 Fee Application Cover Page
available on the Court’s website, www.flmb.uscourts.gov/forms.)
Application for Final Compensation (must be accompanied by the Chapter 11 Fee Application Cover Page
available on the Court’s website, www.flmb.uscourts.gov/forms.)
Motion to Approve Agreements Relating to Relief from Stay, Prohibiting or Conditioning the Use, Sale or
Lease of Property, Providing Adequate Protection, Use of Cash Collateral and Obtaining Credit pursuant to Fed.
R. Bankr. P. 4001(d) (14-day notice)
Motion to Avoid Lien on Exempt Property
Motion to Approve Compromise or Settlement
Motion to Administratively Close Individual Chapter 11 Case
Objection to Claim (30-day notice required)
Motion to Determine Secured Status /Value Property (30-day notice required)
Motion to Determine Secured Status/Strip Lien on Real Property (30-day notice required)
Application for Quantum Meruit Compensation by Chapter 7 Trustee or Trustee’s Attorney
*Motion for Relief from Stay as to the Debtor
*Motion for Relief from Co-Debtor Stay (14-day notice)
Motion for Order Confirming that the Automatic Stay is Terminated (362(c) and (j))
Motion Objecting to Discharge pursuant to Rule 4004(a)
Motion to Approve Agreements Relating to Relief from Stay, Prohibiting or Conditioning the Use, Sale or
Motion to Avoid Lien on Exempt Property
Motion to Approve Compromise or Settlement
Motion to Assume Lease/Executory Contract
Motion to Confirm Priority of Modified Mortgage
Motion to Determine Secured Status /Value Property (30-day notice required)
Motion to Determine Secured Status/Strip Lien on Real Property (30-day notice required)
Motion to Dismiss for Failure to Attend 341 Meeting filed by Trustee
Motion to Modify Confirmed Plan (Except in Tampa and Ft. Myers)
Motion to Modify Mortgage
Motion to Offset Funds Filed by Trustee
Motion for Turnover of Property by Trustee (30-day notice required)
Motion to Sell or Lease Property (does not apply to sales free and clear of interests)
Objection to Claim (30-day notice required)
Page 11 THE COURT CONNECTION
Bankruptcy Rules and Forms effective December 1, 2013
By: Kathy Deetz, Deputy-in-Charge
A number of rule and form changes are scheduled to take effect of December 1, 2013.
Rules 1007, 5009, 4004
Rule 1007(b)(7) now allows an approved provider to notify the court directly that the debtor has
completed the personal financial management course.
Rule 5009(b) would require the clerk to send a notice only if the course provider has not already
notified the court of the debtor’s completion of the course and the debtor has failed to file the
statement in 45 days after the 341 meeting of creditors.
Rule 4004(c)(1)(H) is amended to provide that the court must delay entering a discharge for a debtor
who has not filed certification of completion of the personal financial management course, only if the
debtor was required to do so.
Rules 9006, 9013, and 9014
Rule 9006(d) prescribes time limits for the service of written motions and responses. The proposed
amendments expand the coverage of subdivision (d) to address the timing of the service of any written
response to a motion.
Rule 9013, which addresses the form and service of motions, is amended to provide a cross‐reference
to the time periods in Rule 9006(d). The amendment also calls greater attention to the default deadlines
for motion practice.
Rule 9014, which addresses contested matters in bankruptcy, is similarly amended to provide a
cross‐reference to the times under Rule 9006(d) for serving motions and responses.
Bankruptcy Forms 3A, 3B, 6I, 6J, 6 Summary, 23 and 27
Official Forms
3A, Application for Individuals to Pay the Filing Fee in Installments,
3B, Application for Waiver of Chapter 7 Filing Fee,
6I, Schedule I: Current Income of Individual Debtor(s),
6J, Schedule J: Current Expenditures of Individual Debtor(s)
The forms were selected for the initial implementation phase of the Forms Modernization Project, as
they make no significant change in substantive content and simply replace existing forms.
Official Forms 6 Summary, Summary of Schedules, and 27, Reaffirmation Cover Sheet, are revised
with updated line number cross references to Schedules I and J.
Official Form 23, Debtor’s Certification of Completion of Instructional Course Concerning Personal
Financial Management, is revised to reflect the change to Rule 1007(b)
Please use the link below regarding the amendments to official forms occurring 12/1/2013.
http://www.flmb.uscourts.gov/forms/december_1_2013.htm
Page 12 THE COURT CONNECTION
Delaying Payment of Filing Fees in CM/ECF
By: Raymond Waguespack, Operations Deputy
When papers are filed in CM/ECF using an event that incurs a fee, the fees, in most instances, is due upon
filing of the paper. During the month of August, 2013, there were nearly 300 instances of delayed payment
of fees that were incurred by filing papers in CM/ECF on cases where no request for installment payment or
for in forma pauperis was submitted.
The effect of the delayed payment of fees is that court staff must generate a notice regarding the unpaid fee
costing the Court additional noticing cost and staff time generating the notice. Also, if fees remain unpaid
after 5 days, automated email reminders are sent to the CM/ECF user and continue to be sent until the fee is
paid.
To assist the Court in reducing its noticing costs and using staff time to generate notices on unpaid fees,
CM/ECF users are requested to make a habit of paying filing fees in CM/ECF on the date the fees are
incurred to the extent possible. An additional benefit of paying fees quickly is to keep you email inbox free
of overdue filing fee emails. Together we can keep our cost down and make our district more efficient.
Requirement to File Declarations of Electronic Filing Removed from Local Rules
By: Raymond Waguespack, Operations Deputy
Despite the change in requirement, nearly 2300 Declarations of Electronic Filing were filed during the
month of August, 2013. We wish to alert members of the bar that in July of this year, updated Local Rule
9011-4 went into effect which removed the requirement to file Declarations of Electronic Filing.
Accordingly, the Court has recently updated its website to remove the Declaration of Electronic Filing form
and will be reviewing our external website and training Electronic Learning Modules to locate any places
where updates are necessary as a result of this change in requirement. Please note the requirement in Local
Rule 1001-2(c) to retain certain original signed papers for 4 years after the case is closed has not changed.
The July 2013 edition of The Court Connection included a review of the Local Rule Amendments that were
effective July 1, 2013 and a complete copy of the current Local Rules are available on the Court’s website.
Page 13 THE COURT CONNECTION
“When it comes to life the
critical thing is whether you
take things for granted or
take them with gratitude.”
- Gilbert K. Chesterton
Bill of Rights Read-Along Day December 15, 2013
Celebrate the document that created our system of governance and has
withstood the test of time. You can download a copy of the U.S.
Constitution from the National Archives website (www.archives.gov).
Too long? Download a copy of the Bill of Rights. The “Refrigerator
Door Bill of Rights” (so called because it can be posted on your
refrigerator) is available at www.National-Education-Project.org. And
on December 22nd (a Sunday), the 222nd birthday of the Bill of
Rights, there will be a live read-along of the Bill of Rights from 8:30-9
p.m. (log on to the National Education Project website from your home
at that time).
Be a part of this nationwide celebration!
Taping of Court Events and Training Presentations
By: Mike Shadburn, Chief Deputy
Ever missed a training presentation and wished you could view it later
on a video? A process has been developed where general events and
training presentations, including those given at brown bag luncheons,
can be taped and then made available for viewing on the Court’s
website. Kristyn Leederkerken, a career law clerk for Judge Glenn,
has been designated as the overall coordinator for the program. In
order to have a presentation taped, the deputy-in-charge of the division
in which the presentation is to be given should be contacted.
For taping in the Tampa Division, contact Chuck Kilcoyne at 813-301
-5037, in the Jacksonville Division, contact Gull Weaver at 904-301-
6500, and in the Orlando Division, contact Kathy Deetz at 407-237-
8055. These deputies, through an automated system, schedule the
presentations for taping by the IT staff.
The following information is needed for scheduling:
Title of Presentation/Program
City/Division Location
Location of Presentation/Program
Date of Presentation/Program
Start Time of Presentation/Program
Duration of Presentation/Program
Is this a CLE credit event?
Special instructions/comments
Following the taping, a video of the presentation is added to the
Court’s website at https://pacer.flmb.uscourts.gov/cle/index.asp for
external viewing, which requires a user to enter their CM/ECF login.
Court staff can view applicable presentations at http://flmb.circ11.dcn/
videos/.
Page 14 THE COURT CONNECTION
American Bankruptcy Institute’s Standards of Professional Courtesy and Conduct
(Bankruptcy Court Decisions, September 20, 2013, Volume 58, Issue 9, Pages 8-9)
ABI Executive Director Samuel J. Gerdano said, “The Task Force report is grounded in the belief that civility by an attorney or
another bankruptcy professional is not a sign of weakness, but rather an obligation.”
The principles are broken out into the following categories:
General Duties of Professionals:
1. Professionals should be courteous and civil in all professional dealings with others.
2. When not conflicting with their clients' interests, professionals should cooperate with other professionals in an effort to
avoid unnecessary litigation and to resolve litigation that already has commenced.
3. Professionals should respect the schedules and commitments of others, consistent with the protection of their clients'
interests.
4. A professional should return telephone calls promptly and respond to communications that reasonably require a response,
with due consideration of time zone differences and other known circumstances affecting availability.
5. The time and manner of the servicing of papers should not be designed to cause disadvantage or embarrassment to the
party receiving the papers.
6. A professional should not use any aspect of the litigation process, including discovery and motion practice, as a means of
harassment or for the purpose of unnecessarily prolonging litigation or increasing litigation expenses.
7. In out-of-court proceedings, professionals should not engage in any conduct that would not be appropriate in the presence
of a judge.
8. A professional should keep his or her word.
9. A professional should not mislead others involved in the bankruptcy process.
General Duties of Lawyers:
1. Lawyers should be respectful of the schedules and commitments of others.
2. In examinations and other proceedings, as well as in meetings and negotiations, professionals should conduct themselves
with dignity and refrain from displaying rudeness and disrespect.
3. Lawyers should not mislead others involved in the bankruptcy process.
Lawyers' Duties to the Court and Court Personnel:
1. A lawyer is both an officer of the court and an advocate. As such a lawyer should always strive to uphold the honor and
dignity of the profession, avoid disorder and disruption in the courtroom, and maintain a respectful attitude toward the
court and its personnel.
2. Court personnel are an integral part of the justice system and should be treated with courtesy and respect at all times.
Duties of Judges and Court Personnel to Lawyers, Parties and Witnesses:
1. A judge should be patient, courteous and civil to lawyers, parties and witnesses.
2. Court personnel should be courteous, patient and respectful while providing prompt, efficient and helpful service to all
persons having business with the courts.
These principles do not form a basis for litigation sanctions or penalties. Rather, ABI intends that members of the bankruptcy pro-
fession voluntarily agree to adhere to these principles so as to improve the profession and the administration of justice for all of its
participants.
The ABI Civility Task Force Report on Standards of Professional Courtesy and Conduct is available at:
http://go.abi.org/Civility_Report
Page 15 THE COURT CONNECTION
View from the Bench--
Registration Deadlines
Approaching!
Remember to register for the Bankruptcy
Law & Practice: View from the Bench
seminar -- November 7th in Tampa or
November 8th in Miami! Please do not rely
on on-site registration as seating is limited.
Note also that there is a surcharge for
on-site registration.
Members of The Florida Bar can register
on-line at www.flabar.org. To register, you
will need to:
1. Log in using your bar number and
password
2. Click on the "CLE" link on the top
menu
3. Under "Upcoming Live Courses,"
click on "Search Calendar/Register
Online"
4. Type in the city name (Tampa or
Miami)
5. Select Bankruptcy Law & Practice:
View from the Bench 2013 (Course
Number-1637R).
In addition, don’t forget to sign up for the
receptions and dinner the evenings before the
presentations!
For registration information about the Tampa
Reception on the evening of Wednesday,
November 6, 2013, go to www.tbbba.com
and click on the link under “Events.”
To register for the Miami Reception and
Dinner on the evening of Thursday,
November 7, 2013, go to the website for The
Bankruptcy Bar Association for the Southern
District of Florida: http://www.bbasdfl.org/.
Under "Upcoming Events..." select: "View
from the Bench 2013-Judges Dinner and
Seminar."
THE COURT CONNECTION Page 16
NATIONAL PRO BONO WEEK
OCTOBER 20-26, 2013
Proclamations: The Court has reached out to the local city governments in Jacksonville, Orlando, and
Tampa to request that each Mayor sign a Proclamation
Pro Bono Recognition Program and Attorney Receptions: A Pro Bono Recognition Program led by
Judge McEwen will occur on October 23rd from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. The program will be live in Tampa
and broadcase via video conference in Jacksonville and Orlando. Receptions will immediately follow the
presentation in all locations
Pro Bono Docket Event: The Court has created a new docketing event to note when there is a Pro Bono
attorney assisting in a Pro-Se case. The CM/ECF docketing event will go “Live” to coincide with Pro Bono
week and will be announced through an email blast to all registered CM/ECF users.
THE COURT CONNECTION Page 17
Chapter 13 Debtor Education Class
By: Kathy Deetz, Deputy-in-Charge (ORL)
Laurie K. Weatherford, Chapter 13 Trustee for the Middle District of Florida, offers the Debtor Education
Class to all her Chapter 13 Debtors, free of charge. The classes are conveniently held on the day of the
debtor(s) 341 Meetings, so debtors will not have to take an additional day off of work. Classes are held
every Thursday from 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. at the George C. Young Federal Building, 400 W. Washington
St., Courtroom 6C, Orlando, Florida.
The instructors, Vera Pennington and
Stephen Wood, have combined
qualifications of 31 years experience in
counseling. Both instructors have BS
degrees in education, including financial
planning experience, 22 years as a realtor
and over 7 years experience in teaching
Debtor Education Course.
Steve Wood, Mortgage Program Manager, oversees all the Chapter 13 Mortgage Modification Mediation
Programs. He does a wonderful job of explaining the process of mortgage modification and HAMP
programs. He informs debtors that they may be eligible for assistance in the form of a loan modification,
forgiveness of principal, short sale, waiver of deficiency in loan balance or other relief. Currently, the
Chapter 13 mortgage modification mediations have a 70% success rate.
Vera Pennington is amazing to watch. She connects with each person in the room by sharing details of her
own personal experiences. It's clear to see why the debtors respond in such a positive manner to her
teaching style. She presents an informative, laid back program, in a stress free environment with a touch of
humor. Key topics such as savings and goal planning, budgeting, financial decision making, negotiating
and credit are discussed.
Vera has many reasons for
teaching this class: debtors
fulfilling their requirement
of a Debtor Education
course, the Court receiving
the necessary documents
for case administration and
educating debtors to make
wise financial decisions for
the start of their new
beginning.
Page 18 THE COURT CONNECTION
SAVE THE DATE
Page 19 THE COURT CONNECTION
Court Committee Updates
IT COMMITTEE
By: Scott Lumpkins
Well, although it was a slower month for us, the IT Testing Committee did work on a very important and
essential program…The Aqua Program, the new quality assurance program for Court staff. At the end of
August and beginning of September, the IT Committee Members did Live Testing of the Aqua Program
before its release to the entire staff. During the testing, we utilized the Aqua E-Request to find and correct
any issues we might have had with the program. Corrections and additions were made which resulted in a
smoother transition when going live with the entire staff.
Also, an e-Request was made which resulted in changes to two Notice of Hearing events, the IT Testing
Committee tested the changes and found no issues, therefore, the changes were implemented.
OUTREACH COMMITTEE
By: Dianna Valencia
The Outreach Committee successfully completed an ice-breaker for the District Off-Site in August of this
year. Since then the Committee has been busy with preparation and kick-off of this year’s Combined
Federal Campaign (CFC) which began District-Wide on October 2, 2013 and runs through December 4,
2013. During that time, staff in each division will conduct fund raisers as part of the campaign.
Additionally, the Committee is involved with planning the National Pro Bono Celebration activities within
the District which include a reception to be held on October 23, 2013 in the Tampa, Orlando, and
Jacksonville Divisions for attorneys who have provided pro bono assistance on bankruptcy matters.
PROCEDURES COMMITTEE II
By: Anel Merritt
Our Committee has completed a draft procedure for Objections to Exemptions. We provided several
suggestions for efficiencies and uniformity across the District. The draft procedure has been submitted to
the Procedures Review Committee. Our Committee will now begin work on procedures for Motions to
Assume or Reject Executory Contracts.
PROCEDURES COMMITTEE III
By: Mary Henry
Since our last update the Procedures Committee #3 lost one of its members. Work on our assignments will
resume this month. We expect to submit our finalized chapter 13 discharge procedures proposal, and then
continue work on chapter 13 hardship discharges.
THE COURT CONNECTION Page 20
Court Committee Updates (continued):
PROCEDURES REVIEW COMMITTEE UPDATE
By: Susan Carter
Since our last update, the Procedure Review Committee has completed and returned their review of
procedures for Chapter 13 Electronic Case Opening and Motions to Avoid Lien. We are currently working
on an internal project regarding deadlines in the Court’s new AQUA work distribution system. Next we will
begin discussion of the Objection to Debtor’s Claim of Exemptions.
TRAINING COMMITTEE
By: Ann Iannarelli
The Training committee is focusing on implementing training topics outlined in our Strategic Training Plan.
We had the opportunity to offer many of these topics at our District Offsite in August.
Communication Skills: Collaborative Communication in the Workplace
Computer Security: Computer Security Awareness
Leadership: Leadership and Deception
Morale Building: Ladies and Gentlemen, Start Your Brains!
Bankruptcy Series: What Does That Chapter 13 Trustee Do? and US Trustee –
A Piece of the Bankruptcy Puzzle.
In September, members of our court staff presented two internally developed programs designed to aid our
operations staff.
AQUA: An enhanced QC editor and case management work distribution system that organizes the
daily duties and allocates the work.
Helpdesk: A program that incorporates numerous tutorials and FAQs to promote customer service.
The self-help system is designed for electronic filers to obtain answers to their questions without
assistance from court staff and allows court staff a tool to use to send answers when an external filer
is unable to locate their answer.
WEBSITE COMMITTEE
Celia Rodenmeyer and Sarah Wiener
Recently, the Website Committee created and posted a survey regarding the Court’s external website. The
purpose was to seek beneficial input from our users. To publicize the survey, an email blast was sent to all
ECF registered attorney users and a message was placed in CM/ECF. Numerous positive comments were
received on the overall quality and ease of use of our current website, as well as many helpful suggestions
for improvement. Those suggestions will be incorporated into our future website and our current one.
Thank you again for taking the time to take our survey!
THE COURT CONNECTION Page 21
Court Committee Updates (continued):
Below is a small sampling of questions from the survey and the responses received:
1. Information of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court’s website is easy to locate?
Always 45% Sometimes 50% Rarely 4.9%
2. Do you or your staff routinely check the U.S. Bankruptcy Court’s website for information
Always 76.8% Sometimes 19.7% Rarely 3.5%
3. How often do you or your staff visit the U.S. Bankruptcy Court’s News and Announcements page?
Always 14.1% Sometimes 58.5% Rarely 27.5%
4. Are you or your staff aware that if CM/ECF is unavailable or an issue arises within CM/ECF,
information regarding “down time/offline/unavailable” will be posted under News and
Announcements on the Court’s website?
Yes 66.9% No 33.1%
5. Are you or your office aware that the Court’s website contains the following links?
Telephonic Appearance
Yes 64.8% No 35.2%
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes 96.4% No 3.6%
Requirements to file a Chapter 7, 11 or 13 Case
Yes 90.8% No 9.2%
Phone list for all divisions
Yes 93.6% No 6.4%
CLE Attorney Credits
Yes 44.6% No 55.4%
Online e-Training Registration Form and Access to Training Modules (to Obtain an ECF Login)
Yes 84.1% No 15.9%
In addition, a “Sneak Peak” of the revamped website was afforded in two of the break-out sessions at the
District Offsite in August. These sessions were facilitated by Richard Arendt and Sarah Wiener, with the
help of the website committee. The attendees were pleased with the sessions and appreciated the new look of
the website and easier set up to access information.
Stay tuned as we prepare for the future presentation of our new website.
Page 22 THE COURT CONNECTION
Securing Your Mobile Device
By: Richard Arendt, Assistant Systems Manager
Smart phones and tablets are convenient and easy to use. They also
introduce risk to personal privacy.
Just a few years ago, a mobile device was considered just a phone that
only made and received calls. The only security concern was whether
someone might steal your phone. Today, mobile devices behave just like
your office computer.
Mobile devices can store large amounts of data, are highly portable and
are frequently unprotected. They are easy to steal or lose, and unless
precautions are taken, an unauthorized person can gain access to the
information stored on them. Even if not stolen or lost, intruders can
sometimes gain all the access they need if the device is left alone and
unprotected, if data is "sniffed out of the air" during wireless
communications, or if malware is installed. The results can include
crippled devices and personal data loss .
Here are some practices to consider for a more secured mobile device:
Connect to only secure Wi-Fi networks and
disable the mobile device when not in use.
Turn off Bluetooth when not being used.
Configure mobile devices securely.
Use a password protected screen lock on all the
devices.
Enable the mobile tracking feature found on
mobile phones.
Users should take steps in protecting their mobile devices.
THE COURT CONNECTION Page 23
Working With Congress
By: Hon. Catherine P. McEwen
The Tampa and Fort Myers Divisions participated in a Congressional Relations Reception on September
18, 2013. Members of the staffs of Senators Nelson and Rubio and our local House members turned out
either live or via video to hear from District, Bankruptcy, and Magistrate Judges of each division as well as
the District Court’s Clerk of the Court, the U.S. Marshal for our region, the Federal Public Defender,
representatives of U.S Probation and U.S. Pretrial Services, and the United States Attorney. The speakers
highlighted the damaging impact on the Third Branch of our government — the federal judicial system —
of sequestration and the need for Congress to fund an adequate and consistent budget for this co-equal
branch. The judicial system is currently funded at two-tenths of one penny of every tax dollar (that’s
$0.002). Local attorneys practicing in each division attended the event to show support for increased
funding. The handout generated by our Bankruptcy Court for the event can be found on the Court’s website.
The Court thanks the Tampa Bay Bankruptcy Bar Association and the Federal Bar Association’s Tampa
Bay Chapter for sponsoring the lunch in Tampa and thanks the Bench Bar Fund (funded by attorney
admission fees) for underwriting the lunch in Fort Myers.
Please use this information distributed at the recent luncheon to understand and to spread the dire nature of
our financial plight.
THE COURT CONNECTION Page 24
Congressional Handout (continued):
THE COURT CONNECTION Page 25
Congressional Handout (continued):
THE COURT CONNECTION Page 26
Congressional Handout (continued):
THE COURT CONNECTION Page 27
NEWS FROM THE TAMPA BAY BANKRUPTCY BAR ASSOCIATION
By: Megan W. Murray, Esquire, Trenam Kemker Attorneys
This month at the Tampa Bay Bankruptcy Bar Association luncheon, Brad deBeaubien of Shumaker, Loop
& Kendrick, LLP, reminded us how sharing our knowledge of bankruptcy and financial management can
create long lasting impacts in the community. Mr. deBeaubien serves as the chair for the TBBBA for an
organization known as C.A.R.E., the Credit Abuse Resistance Education Program.
Founded in 2002 by John C. Ninfo II, the now-retired U.S. Bankruptcy Judge for the Western District of
New York, C.A.R.E. seeks to educate high school and college students on the responsible use of credit,
which of course includes an education on the consequences of poor money management and credit card
abuse. The goal of the C.A.R.E. program is to train young men and women to intelligently manage their
credit cards and credit-card debt and to prevent them from experiencing the inside of a bankruptcy court.
The course educates students on the roles of credit in today’s society, how to choose a credit card, the
differences between debit and credit cards, other features of a card (rate, fees, grace periods, revolving
balances, rewards, etc.), how credit reports work, and the consequences of credit abuse.
A bankruptcy judge is a predictable forefather of the program. Judge Ninfo was fatigued by the ever
present appearances of debtors to his courtroom whose bankruptcies stemmed from financial woes due to
the misuse of credit cards and poor financial planning, and in 2002 he decided to take action. Now entering
its eleventh year, C.A.R.E. volunteers work with individuals in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.
Our own Honorable Judge Catherine Peek McEwen has been a long-time supporter of the program, and
now sits on the national C.A.R.E. Judicial Advisory Board. She has been instrumental in developing and
strengthening the program in Tampa Bay Area. All the Judges in the Middle District fully support the
program, including Honorable K. Rodney May who touted the program’s benefits in an interview with local
Channel 8 News back in 2008 during a C.A.R.E. presentation given to University of Tampa students by the
local bankruptcy judges and members of the Tampa Bay Bankruptcy Bar Association. The video can be
viewed on Judge May’s court website, or by clicking on the TV below.
THE COURT CONNECTION Page 28
NEWS FROM THE TAMPA BAY BANKRUPTCY BAR ASSOCIATION
We Care (continued):
Tampa Bay attorney, Brad deBeaubien, works diligently to keep TBBBA active in the C.A.R.E. program,
and is currently recruiting Bay Area bankruptcy attorneys to give a C.A.R.E. presentation at the Adult &
Career Center in Tampa in the near future. This is one of many alternative venues benefitting from
C.A.R.E. efforts. Churches, outreach groups, teen centers, volunteer centers, and youth volunteer programs
(such as the Eagle Scouts), also present great opportunities to educate our youth on the importance of
financial literacy and credit responsibility. If you are interested in learning more about C.A.R.E., you can
visit the website at http://care4yourfuture.org/.
You should contact your local C.A.R.E. representative if you have suggestions on new audiences or are
interested in presenting in your area. No experience needed!
Tampa:
H. S. "Brad" deBeaubien
Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick, LLP
813.221.7425
NEWS FROM THE SOUTHWEST FLORIDA
BANKRUPTCY PROFESSIONALS ASSOCIATION
Richard Johnston Jr. of the law firm of Johnston Champeau, LLC was
awarded the 2013 Alexander L. Paskay Professionalism Award at the
Southwest Florida Bankruptcy Professionals Association annual dinner
on September 19, 2013. Mr. Johnston was a graduate of the University of
Florida in 1982 and practiced law in Tallahassee and Boca Raton before
settling in Fort Myers to practice law approximately twenty years ago.
The criteria for the award includes outstanding effectiveness and
presentation of matters to the Bankruptcy Court, reputation for thorough
preparation, civility and courtesy to opposing counsel, appropriate
courtroom demeanor, ethical conduct and professionalism at the highest
level and long term service to the bankruptcy bar. Mr. Johnston was both
a past president of the Southwest Florida Bankruptcy Professionals
Association and a frequent presenter of programs to the Association. In
addition, he was acknowledged for his courteous and ethical conduct,
preparedness and pro bono service.
THE COURT CONNECTION Page 29
NEWS FROM THE CENTRAL FLORIDA BANKRUPTCY LAW ASSOCIATION
Page 30 THE COURT CONNECTION
Judges’ Corner
Page 31 THE COURT CONNECTION
Judges’ Corner
QUARTERLY STATISTICS AS OF JUNE 30, 2013, FOR THE
UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT FOR THE MIDDLE DISTRICT OF FLORIDA
THE COURT CONNECTION Page 32
QUARTERLY STATISTICS AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 2013, FOR THE
UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT FOR THE MIDDLE DISTRICT OF FLORIDA
Page 33 THE COURT CONNECTION
QUARTERLY STATISTICS AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 2013, FOR THE
UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT FOR THE MIDDLE DISTRICT OF FLORIDA
THE COURT CONNECTION Page 34
QUARTERLY STATISTICS AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 2013, FOR THE
UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT FOR THE MIDDLE DISTRICT OF FLORIDA
Page 35 THE COURT CONNECTION
THE COURT CONNECTION Page 36
FT. MYERS
January 23 @ noon State of the District Presentation by Chief Judge Jennemann
JACKSONVILLE
January 8 @ noon State of the District Presentation by Chief Judge Jennemann
ORLANDO
October 17 @ noon CFBLA Monthly Luncheon @ GrayRobinson
October 23 @ 12:45 p.m. Pro Bono Week Celebration (400 West Washington Street, Fifth Floor Multi-Purpose Room)
October 25 @ noon OCBA Bankruptcy Committee Monthly Meeting @ OCBA
November 16 @ 11:00 am CFBLA Family Fall Festival (The Pines at Windermere Park)
November 21 @ noon CFBLA Monthly Luncheon @ GrayRobinson
December 4 @ noon CFBLA Court Appreciation Luncheon (Ember Restaurant)
December 5 @ 5:30 pm CFBLA Holiday Party (Orlando Science Center)
December 13 @ noon OCBA Bankruptcy Committee Monthly Meeting @ OCBA
December 19 @ noon CFBLA Luncheon and Board Elections @ GrayRobinson
January 16 @ noon State of the District Presentation by Chief Judge Jennemann
TAMPA
November 6 @ 2:00 pm 2nd Annual Bench Bar Conference
November 19 @ noon TBBBA Luncheon
November 20 @ noon Judge Mentoring Program @ USBC 5th Floor Training Room (Topic TBA)
January 14 @ noon TBBBA Luncheon
February 11 @ noon State of the District Presentation by Chief Judge Jennemann
March 11 @ noon TBBBA Luncheon
April 15 @ noon TBBBA Luncheon
May 13 @ noon TBBBA Luncheon
OTHER
IMPORTANT DATES
October 29-November 2 NCBJ Annual Meeting
November 6 View from the Bench Cocktail Reception at the University Club, Tampa, FL
November 7 View from the Bench Seminar at Tampa, FL
November 8 View from the Bench Seminar at Miami, FL
February 27 Statewide Residential Mortgage Modification Mediation Summit
March 13-15, 2014 ABI/Stetson Seminar—Tampa, FL
May 16, 2014 CFBLA Seminar at Embassy Suites, Orlando, FL
June 24-28, 2014 Florida Bar Annual Meeting, Orlando, FL
* * *HAPPENINGS AROUND THE MIDDLE DISTRICT* * *
400 West Washington Street
Suite 5100
Orlando, FL 32801
Phone: 407--237-8000
Fax: 407-237-8005
United States
Bankruptcy Court
The Court Connection is
published quarterly
on:
January 15
April 15
July 15
October 15
Please submit news, photos, and
articles by January 1, April 1,
July 1, and October 1 to:
Kim Osment ([email protected]; 407.237.8111)
www.flmb.uscourts.gov